Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to take the permit test if I am age 18 or older?

Yes. Regardless of age, any new driver is required to hold a learner's permit before being eligible for a driver's license.

How long do I have to hold my permit before I can get my license?

If you are under age 18, you must hold the permit for 9 months before you can be issued a driver's license. You can take the behind-the-wheel course prior to the completion of the 9 months as long as you have the required documents. The license will be held by the school or your parent until the eligibility date on the license is valid.

If you are age 18 or older, you must hold the permit for 60 days before you can take the DMV road skills test and be issued a driver's license.

If I have an out-of-state permit can I transfer it over to Virginia?

No. If you are from out-of-state, to obtain a Virginia learner's permit, you will be required to surrender your out-of-state learner's permit, complete a knowledge exam, meet the identity, legal presence, residency, and social security requirements and Virginia's driver education requirements, if applicable. The time in which you held your out-of-state learner's permit will be counted toward the Virginia minimum holding period for a learner's permit.